Vietnam will introduce new administrative penalties for labour-related violations from September 10, 2026, including fines for employers that fail to submit mandatory work notifications or submit them late, according to immigration services firm Fragomen.
The new rules will apply to notifications related to foreign employees working at multiple locations, work permit or work permit exemption certificate (WP/WPEC) cancellations, and other reporting requirements prescribed by labour authorities.
Individuals who employ foreign workers may face fines ranging from VND 1 million to VND 3 million for reporting violations. For organisations, the fines are generally double, ranging from VND 2 million to VND 6 million.
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The penalties are aimed at employers and relate to their reporting and compliance obligations concerning foreign workers. They do not mean that foreign workers will face these specific reporting fines.
Most penalties for other work permit and foreign labour violations will remain broadly unchanged under the updated policy.
The decree will also introduce specific penalties for using forged or altered documents to obtain a work permit or WP/WPEC.
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The changes reflect increased focus by Vietnamese authorities on compliance after work permits or exemptions have been approved, according to Fragomen.
Employers should ensure that foreign worker notifications are accurate and submitted within the prescribed deadlines. They should also complete WP/WPEC cancellation requirements promptly and ensure that supporting documents are authentic, properly legalised where required and consistent with the employee's actual work arrangements.
